Thursday, April 21, 2011

Former Dolphins CB Sam Madison to announce team's third-round pick

Retired players from all 32 franchises will announce a pick by their former teams during next week's 2011 NFL Draft, according to reports.

While most of these players will announce the teams' second-round selections, the Dolphins are one of three franchises (joining the Jets and Panthers) that does not have a second-round pick. Thus, those representatives will announce their teams' third-round picks, which will also take place on Friday, April 29.

In the Dolphins' case, that third-round pick will be announced by former Dolphins great Sam Madison, who was drafted by the team in the second round in 1997 and spent nine seasons with the club.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, Madison teamed with Patrick Surtain for much of his time in Miami to create what was consistently one of the top cornerback tandems in the NFL.

Madison concluded his career with three seasons in New York, where he earned a Super Bowl ring in the Giants' victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He was released by the Giants following the 2008 season and subsequently retired.

Starting 154 of 173 career contests, Madison totaled 472 tackles, two sacks, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 38 interceptions, 81 pass deflections, a safety, and a defensive touchdown. His 31 interceptions in a Dolphins uniform still rank third in franchise history behind only Jake Scott and Dick Anderson.

Interestingly, Madison is not the only former Dolphin among the 32 players announcing picks next Friday. Safety Donovin Darius (Jaguars), cornerback Troy Vincent (Eagles), and Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield (Browns) all spent parts of their playing careers in Miami.